This page was developed to assist the HMS community in bringing HSRs onboard according to the University HSR policy and to explain additional HMS-specific requirements. 

A Harvard Sponsored Role (formerly known as POI) designates non-employee, non-student affiliations an individual may have in the Harvard community that support granting the individual access to resources, both digital and physical, under an appropriate level of oversight by the University. Harvard Sponsored Roles are necessary to differentiate affiliations to the University distinct from employee, student, or alum roles. 

A member of the Harvard community must act as the sponsor for a Harvard Sponsored Role (HSR) request, and in doing so, the HSR Sponsor provides a legitimate and verified business need to justify giving access to Harvard resources to the HSR. 

Harvard Sponsored Roles may not be used: 

  • In place of a formal appointment where individuals performing similar roles and duties hold an appointment 
  • To extend access for departing employees or other Harvard affiliates who wish to retain access to email, file shares, or other resources to which their employee role granted them privileges